I'm on day 5 after my interview and this thread is exactly what I needed! The "under review" status has been driving me crazy, especially since my interviewer didn't give any timeline either. It's so reassuring to see that 8-12 business days seems to be the normal range and that everyone eventually gets their pending weeks paid all at once. The financial stress is definitely real - I've been checking my account obsessively and starting to panic about upcoming bills. Really appreciate everyone sharing their actual timelines and experiences here. It makes this whole process feel less scary when you realize it's completely normal and that there's a predictable pattern. Going to set up those text alerts right now so I can stop refreshing the website every few hours!

I'm currently on day 3 after my interview and finding this thread has been such a relief! The "under review" status had me spiraling thinking something went wrong, but seeing everyone's timelines here shows this is totally normal. My interviewer was really professional and said everything looked good, but didn't give any timeframe which left me anxious. The financial stress is already kicking in - I've been rationing groceries and getting nervous about bills due next week. It's so helpful to see the 8-12 day pattern everyone's sharing, and knowing that all the pending weeks get paid at once when it finally processes. Definitely setting up those text alerts everyone mentioned so I can stop checking my account every hour! Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences - it makes this waiting period feel so much less isolating.

To address your follow-up questions: The verification process has two parts - ID.me (which verifies your identity) and EDD's own verification (which confirms your eligibility for benefits). Here's what you should do: 1. For ID.me: Upload your ID plus documents showing your current address (utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement) 2. For EDD: Ensure your current mailing address is listed in your application 3. Be prepared to explain the address discrepancy if you get an eligibility interview phone call 4. Keep checking your UI Online account for any pending issues or required actions Most importantly, don't panic if there's a slight delay. Address mismatches are common and usually resolved with proper documentation. Just be honest and consistent with your information.

I went through this same situation about 6 months ago! My license showed my old apartment but I had moved in with my girlfriend. What really helped me was being proactive - I called EDD right after submitting my ID.me verification to explain the address discrepancy upfront. The rep made a note in my file, so when they reviewed my application, they already knew why the addresses didn't match. It saved me from getting flagged for a lengthy eligibility interview. Also, make sure you have multiple documents for your current address - I used my lease, a utility bill, AND a bank statement just to be safe. The whole process took about 3 weeks total, which isn't bad considering all the horror stories you hear.

I just want to add my experience from last week - I had a similar pending issue (not school-related but stuck in review) and ended up using a combination of strategies. First tried the 8:02am phone call method that GalaxyGlider mentioned, but after 2 hours on hold got disconnected. Then I drove to the Santa Barbara office around 12:45pm to be first in line for the 1pm walk-ins. Got there right as they opened the afternoon session and was out by 2:30pm. The rep was super helpful and fixed my issue on the spot. Pro tip: they have a small waiting area but it fills up fast, so if you're doing the walk-in route, definitely get there before 1pm. Also validate your parking at the front desk - saves you a few bucks! The hybrid system actually works pretty well if you time it right.

This thread has been incredibly helpful! As someone who's been avoiding dealing with EDD for weeks because of all the horror stories, it's reassuring to see that the Santa Barbara office actually has a workable system now. I'm dealing with a similar certification issue where my claim got flagged for something that doesn't apply to me. Based on everyone's advice here, I think I'll try the 8:02am phone strategy first (thanks GalaxyGlider!), and if that doesn't work, I'll head to the office around 12:30pm for the afternoon walk-ins. The hybrid appointment/walk-in system sounds way more reasonable than the complete chaos I was expecting. Really appreciate everyone sharing their recent experiences - makes a huge difference to know what actually works versus just guessing!

I'm so glad I found this thread - I've been dealing with almost the exact same situation for the past two months and felt completely alone and hopeless. Reading everyone's detailed experiences and advice has been incredibly validating and empowering. My manager has created such a toxic environment that I've started having panic attacks in my car before walking into the building. The verbal abuse, public humiliation, and what I now realize is wage theft (thanks to everyone pointing out the importance of that angle) has made my job unbearable. But I was terrified to quit without knowing if I'd qualify for benefits. The level of strategic planning required that everyone has outlined is honestly overwhelming, but also reassuring - it shows there IS a path forward if you do it right. I'm particularly grateful for @Malik's professional insights about the legal requirements and @StarGazer101's warnings about employer counter-claims. I never would have thought to gather positive performance reviews as evidence. I'm going to start implementing everyone's advice immediately: detailed incident logs with exact quotes and witnesses, medical documentation for my anxiety symptoms, formal written complaints to HR with specific remedies and deadlines, and gathering evidence of the wage discrepancies I've noticed. Thank you @Liam for having the courage to share your story and ask these questions. This community response has created an incredible resource that's giving me hope I can get through this situation. I'll update with my progress as I work through these steps!

I'm a labor attorney who specializes in employment law, and I want to add some legal perspective to this excellent discussion. **California Labor Code Section 201.3** specifically addresses constructive discharge, which applies when working conditions become so intolerable that a reasonable person would feel compelled to resign. The key is proving that your employer either intended to force you to quit OR should have known their conduct would likely cause you to resign. A few critical legal points: **Documentation standards:** Courts look for contemporaneous records - meaning documentation created at or near the time of incidents. Your post-incident voice memos and daily logs are perfect for this. **Medical causation:** Having a healthcare provider explicitly state that your symptoms are "caused by or substantially aggravated by workplace conditions" is much stronger than general anxiety treatment. **Employer duty:** California employers have a legal obligation to maintain a workplace free from harassment and intimidation. When they fail this duty, it can constitute constructive discharge. **Wage theft connection:** Any unpaid wages, unauthorized deductions, or schedule manipulation that reduces your pay below minimum wage creates additional grounds for your claim. The "magic phrase" @Malik mentioned aligns with legal precedent - using language like "compelled to resign due to intolerable conditions" helps establish constructive discharge rather than voluntary quit. One addition: if you're in a protected class (age, race, gender, disability, etc.) and can show the abuse was related to that status, you may also have grounds for discrimination claims with DFEH, which strengthens your EDD case significantly. Best of luck - these cases are definitely winnable with proper preparation!

I'm dealing with a similar name change situation right now! Just wanted to add that if you're having trouble getting through to EDD by phone, try calling right when they open (8am) or during lunch hours when the call volume might be lower. Also, I found that having all your documents ready before you start any part of this process really helps - marriage certificate, updated SS card, new driver's license, etc. Keep copies of everything! The whole system is definitely frustrating but it sounds like you're on the right track. Wishing you a smooth resolution and congratulations on your upcoming little one! 🍼

I just went through this exact nightmare last month! Here's what finally worked for me: First, update your ID.me account completely - upload your marriage certificate or court order for the name change, new driver's license, and updated Social Security card. ID.me took about 3-4 business days to verify everything. Once that was done, I called EDD early morning (around 8:15am seemed to work best) and explained the situation. The rep was actually really helpful and updated my EDD profile to match my ID.me account on the spot. The whole thing took about 2 weeks total, but most of that was just waiting for verifications. Don't give up - the system is clunky but it does work eventually! Also, keep detailed notes of every call you make with dates and reference numbers. Good luck with your maternity leave claim! 🤞